Long-stay resort in Pattaya woos retirees

The elderly can sometimes be tough to deal with, especially when it comes to taking care of them properly.

But for Pensiri Panyarachun, doing so became a learning lesson, which later helped spark an idea to launch a business targeted at the elderly.

This was the genesis for Absolute Living (Thailand) Co, operator of Pattaya-based Long Lake Hillside Resort - an integrated long-stay resort for retirees that opened its doors early this month.

Pensiri, who partly owns the company and is its managing director, said the business had showed big potential but the country's political situation cast a cloud over it, forcing Western clients to delay trips.

Located on 150 rai, the resort is 10 minutes from downtown Pattaya and has 36 villas and a 50-people capacity.

Pensiri has rented the resort for 12 years and after signing an agreement with the owner, she transformed the property into what is today, including constructing wheelchair paths.

Most of her guests are Europeans, Australians, Americans, and Japanese.

Pensiri is eyeing Westerners who are looking for looking for a more affordable place to stay.

She said in many countries the pension had been reduced and countries were in financial trouble.